In Hardwick, Vermont, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, stretching 93 miles across northern Vermont, is now open for cyclists, hikers, horseback riders, and other non-motorized users. The trail connects Swanton near Lake Champlain to St. Johnsbury close to the Connecticut River border with New Hampshire, offering a recreational path through 18 communities. The trail, which includes the historic Fisher Covered Bridge in Wolcott, can also be used by snowmobiles, skiers, and snowshoers in the winter.
Despite some trail sections being damaged by floods in 2023, with ongoing repairs, a majority of the trail remains accessible, with necessary detours in place. The Lamoille Valley trail has garnered praise, with Marianne Borowski, part of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail group, commending its scenic beauty and New England charm, hoping to extend it further into New Hampshire.
Communities along the trail route are embracing visitors, with services like bike rentals in Johnson allowing for one-way trips and electric bikes making the trail more accessible to a wider range of users. Additionally, plans are in place to provide more amenities and trails in areas like Wolcott to enhance the experience for trail users and outdoor enthusiasts.
The trail, formerly a rail line operational since 1877, was transformed into a recreational trail in the early 2000s by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers. The Vermont Agency of Transportation took over management and construction in 2022, with costs amounting to over $31 million to convert the old rail line into a modern, year-round trail.
The completion of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail was delayed due to flooding in 2023, disrupting plans for an inauguration by Governor Phil Scott. However, the last section near Greensboro Bend is expected to be finished this year. The governor looks forward to rescheduling his ride of the entire trail later this year, aiming to showcase the beauty and allure of the trail for all users.
Visitors and locals alike appreciate the trail’s picturesque surroundings, as highlighted by cycling enthusiast Adam Anghilante in Hardwick, who finds joy in the serene journey along the trail, characterized by stunning views of farms, towns, mountains, and rivers.
